overseas holidays on announce increase Travel Association ABTA

overseas holidays on announce increase Travel Association ABTA. Between 16th December and 3rd January there is expected to be around 4.25 million people going on holiday as millions of Brits to take a Christmas holiday this year.

Millions of people are expected to go away over Christmas and New Year this year, as Brits seek out a White Christmas or a sunny festive break.

Travel Association ABTA has revealed that there is set to be an increase in Christmas holidaymakers this year.

Between 16th December and 3rd January there is expected to be around 4.25 million people going on holiday – up from just below 4 million in the same period 12 months ago. The peak travel days are expected to be 22nd and 23rd December.

Many festive travellers will be heading to the slopes for a white Christmas. And despite a slow start to the ski season, many resorts are now fully operational.

But sunny destinations are also proving popular, with thousands heading for places like the Canary Islands, Cuba and Mexico.

“Christmas and the New Year are amongst the busiest times of the year for the travel industry and I am delighted that millions of our customers are taking advantage of time off,” said Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive.

“With all the doom and gloom of the economy it looks like people are keen to escape for a break, whether they are visiting friends and family or looking to enjoy winter sun or guaranteed snow.”

When it comes to ski holidays, research has found that many Brits are finding new ways to keep costs down.

Research from Sainsbury’s Travel Money has found that almost three quarters of Brits going on ski holidays are intending to spend less this year.

It was found that 28% will cut costs by bringing a packed lunch on to the mountain, rather than eat in restaurants, and 26% will stay in cheaper accommodation.

If you are going away this winter, on any type of holiday, travel money cards are a good way to save money by avoiding expensive bank charges and foreign ATM charges.

Wrong plastic abroad costs Brits millions of pounds

Millions of Brits are making the fatal error of using the wrong plastic on holiday which results in sky high credit card fees.

The school holidays are descending upon us and millions of Brits are itching for two weeks in the sun, however, over £500 million is being thrown away by holidaymakers on holiday as a result of using the wrong card.

Each year, approximately 36 million holidays are being taken overseas, which means that approximately £500 million more is being spent than is necessary.

Sun seekers could save between £10 and £50 on a two-week holiday abroad by understanding the spending options on offer.

Due to such a vast number of available cards offering different charges, it is confusing for travellers to know what card is best. However, this confusion is what has led to holidaymakers throwing away precious cash.

The majority of banks charge a foreign usage fee when a credit card is used abroad. This is typically around 2.75% to 2.99%. Cash transactions are more expensive abroad than using a credit card for purchases in shops or restaurants. Withdrawing cash from an ATM can also be very expensive with a credit card.

Charges on debit cards can vary significantly with different debit cards. Therefore, experts are encouraging holidaymakers to compare their bank charges against others before going on holiday.

Many consumers have made the error of assuming there is no charge for using a debit card abroad because there is no cost for using them in the UK.

Prepaid cards are being rounded by specialists as the cheaper alternative as holidaymakers can top up the card according to their budget before jetting off on holiday.

To make sure you are not struck with an unexpected bill on the return from your summer holiday this year, make sure you compare the different charges with different currency cards and debit cards.

Alternatively, a travel money card could be the solution to your holiday budget.